13 Smart Ways On How To Protect or Hide Your Cash Money, ATM Cards and Valuables While Traveling

Cash is necessary-- especially when traveling. As for me, I always bring 100 dollars for emergency money aside from the local currency that I have in hand. While it is very convenient to have cash, it could be quite risky too because once you lose it, it’s hard to get it back.

Unfortunately, tourists are an easy prey to pickpockets. They know that most stay only for a couple of days so they wouldn’t even go through the hassle of reporting them to the police. They might be clever but so are you! Here are some sneaky ways on how to hide your cash while traveling.

1) BRING A SMALL BOOK

Aside from having something to read while waiting for your flight, this is also one of the best ways to conceal cash. Just put it somewhere in between those pages or in an envelope pasted between those pages and you’ll be assured that your cash is safe-- no one will dare try to steal that book from your backpack! (But don’t forget that you have cash in there. Don’t you dare flip out the pages!) :)

2) MAKE A BOOK WITH A SECRET COMPARTMENT

If you have an old book that you don’t even use, a cutter, a glue, and some extra time, try making a book with a secret compartment. It’s very useful and you can put more things like cash, keys, coins, and jewelry. It’s fun and with this, you won’t have to worry about losing your money when flipping out the pages. Check out this video to learn how to make it.

3) USE A BELT BAG

There’s no better way to keep cash than keeping it close to your body. Waist/Belt Bags are very functional especially when you’re traversing through busy streets. Going to the full moon party in Thailand or joining a Festival’s Parade? Then you have to have this! You wouldn’t wanna get drunk with all these valuables on hand or in any other bag that you’ll end up losing. This belt bag from Amazon is very stylish perfect for all the ladies out there. For all the gents, this Alpine Swiss Belt Bag might just suit your taste.

4) ALWAYS BRING A PADLOCK

Most hostels/hotels have their own locker where you can put your valuables while wandering. Unfortunately, some do not lend a padlock so make it a habit to always bring one. This could just save you a couple of $$$ too.

5) STASH A COUPLE OF $$$ IN AN EMPTY SHAMPOO CONTAINER

Now, who would dare try to steal a shampoo bottle?? Anyone?? Haha. I always make it a habit to store a couple of bills here in case of emergency :)

6) TAKE CASH IN SMALL DENOMINATION

Bringing cash in small denomination is so much better than carrying big ones. Not only will it save you from the ‘keep the change’ habit when they don’t have anything to change you with nor save you the hassle on finding it hard to pay when using public transportation, it also won’t be appealing to pickpockets. Trust me, you wouldn’t wanna show everyone your couple of thousands you have there. You don’t want that kind of attention.

7) MAKE IT A HABIT TO SEPARATE YOUR CASH (CARDS INCLUDED!)

Lose one, lose all. One of the most common mistakes we do is we put everything in one wallet. This is a big no-no, especially when traveling. Try putting them in different places-- in your bag, in your luggage, or in your clothes’ pocket. At least you wouldn’t end up like a helpless tourist if you lose one!

8) CHOOSE A CONSPICUOUS-LOOKING WALLET

Everyone (especially pickpockets) know exactly what a wallet looks like. And if they’re eyeing on you as their prey, that’s the first thing they’re going to target. So for this, try looking for a wallet that doesn’t look like a wallet-- what about an old cigarette tin can? :)

9) BE MINDFUL OF YOUR PASSPORT

Passport is the most important thing when traveling. Eto yung tipong mawala na lahat wag lang ang passport mo! As much as possible, don’t go around carrying it around. Your hotel can safekeep this for you. It’s better than taking the risk of losing it or damaging it somewhere.

I’ve gone white water rafting with a couple of tourists. 2 of them forgot that they have their passports on their pocket and it was soaking wet!! I don’t know what happened to them at the airport. Don’t you make the same mistake.

10) DO NOT PUT YOUR VALUABLES IN YOUR BACK POCKET

This is the worst place to put your valuables at. More often than not, you wouldn’t even notice that your things are already stolen from it!

11) INVEST ON THINGS WITH SECRET POCKETS

This is probably the most clever way-- secret pockets on a belt, a scarf, a bra, a tank top, and even on a brief! With your valuables here, you never have to worry because you know that they are with you and are *ahem* well-hidden. :p

12) AVOID BRINGING TOO MANY VALUABLES

You don’t need that 24K diamond-studded earrings while going around Paris (unless you’re going to the fashion week). Just bring what you need and it could save you from the stress of worrying about them getting stolen. Worry less, travel and enjoy more! :)

13) BE READY, IF ALL ELSE FAILS

Take note of emergency contact numbers including the Embassy and the local police station where you can report incidents of theft. If you end up losing your passport too, then you have to inform the embassy and the local police station as soon as you can.

Thankfully, we haven’t experienced getting robbed on our entire backpacking journey. Like what they say, prevention is better than cure so make sure to follow these simple tips on your next trip! How about you? Have you experienced getting robbed abroad? Tell me your story!